Termite Issue With Mulch?
 

We are planning a landscaping project around our home and are considering using pine bark mulch instead of pine straw or rocks. We know there are good reasons to use mulch, but we are concerned about whether we will be creating a termite problem for the future. There are speculations and theories about pine bark mulch providing an environment conducive to termite infestations, but our searching have not found any hard factual information or any real evidence of actual termite problems created by mulch. Of course, we will be asking the landscapers and our pest control company, but we thought TOTV folks might have some good information or might have actually experienced an issue with mulch and termites. Thanks for any info.

In my opinion, there is no issue with termites and mulch. Your house will not be more likely to be infested with termites if you place mulch around the exterior. It is done all the time.

Yes, but it does make a great home for weeds.

Like most things there is no shortage of misinformation. There are two basic groups of termites. The subterranean termites need ground contact. The other group flies in.
Both need moisture. As far a mulch attracting termites. Many people have landscaping done-cement wall etc and then pile mulch on this new raised ground level. When, you pile stuff closer to wood. It is a diner call to termites. Pine needles, pine straw, it is not big enough for termites to live inside of it. Pine bark, If, I was using it I would pay a bit more and get cedar bark-it is naturally resistant to termites. Our home is 10 years old and we have pine straw-no termites.

Have you gotten your landscape plan approved by ARC?

Use shredded cypress mulch. Critters hate cypress.

Regardless of what you use for mulch, keep it away from the bottom foundation of your house.
Hired landscapers like to replenish mulch over time and the mulch can easily build up
around your concrete foundation to attract all critters.

rubber mulch... lasts forever, no bugs

Cypress mulch

No problems and pine straw or bark is recommended by The Villages Master Gardners. Landscapers will recommend rocks as they are a high profit margin.

At first I had pine bark mulch (nuggets). I had it removed and stones put in. Whenever it rains or the wind blows, you will be cleaning the mulch from your yard. Annually you will purchase multitudes of mulch bags. GET STONES!

I once was spreading pine straw and found a baby snake in the pine needles.

Ditto. In addition, you’ll have fewer weeds with mulch than you will with stone.

The big advantage to pine straw is it retains moisture in the soil and reduces weeds versus bark mulch.

Both are messy and do not last as long as River rock put down on top of a an agricultural weed blanket.

NO!!!😱 Pine straw is a better alternative. UF/IFAS urges against using cypress mulch due to depletion of this tree. If you’re concerned about wood mulch next to the foundation, place about a 6”-12” barrier of stone. Use a color that is close to the color of the mulch.